G.U. Opens Foreign Service School Building in Qatar

Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar – established in 2005 – celebrated the official opening of its new building in Education City on Feb. 13, the university reports. “The memorable affair marked an important milestone in the history of the university’s valued partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

“At the beginning of the 21st century, Georgetown ventured out of its traditional confines, left its comfort zone at the hilltop in Washington, D.C., and began a partnership with Qatar Foundation,” said Mehran Kamrava, interim dean of the School of Foreign Service in Qatar. “Our strong and vibrant partnership with Qatar Foundation, and our new spectacular home, would not have been possible without the vision and patronage of Her Higness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.”

University president John DeGioia presented Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, with a sculpture of a lyre, a traditional musical instrument invented in ancient Mesopotamia. In a nice connection with the neighborhood back home, the sculpture chosen as a gift was designed by artist John Dreyfuss of Halcyon House on Prospect Street. “It represents the unification of cultures through music, beauty and art,” the university explains. “The instrument is also found inscribed in the university’s seal.”